KPMG's Global Automotive Executive Survey 2014

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The rise of alternative powertrain technologies is one of several significant influences shaping the global automotive sector. Automakers are undergoing changes on many other fronts: a shift from partnerships and alliances to organic growth strategies, the continued emphasis of mobility solutions and technology as critical to OEM survival in the automotive value chain, and the increasing power of Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). These issues are explored in-depth in KPMG’s 15th annual auto survey, Strategies for a Fast-Evolving Market.

“Continuing consumer concern with fuel efficiency and pollution is urging automakers to focus on plug-in hybrid and fuel cell technologies for the near future,” said Mathieu Meyer, Global Head of Automotive and a partner with KPMG in Germany. “Since the development of e-vehicle technology takes time, in parallel, automakers are also maintaining a strong grasp on downsizing the internal combustion engine to meet the needs of the current market place.”

Organic growth has overtaken joint ventures and partnerships as the most favored business strategy. In 2013, respondents placed joint ventures and alliances as the main approach, while organic growth now tops the list. This view is felt most strongly amongst OEMs from the TRIAD countries, with 84 percent listing organic growth as their main business strategy. This significant response may be a result of challenges that are being experienced in current partnerships such as effective integration and finding synergies.

Plug-in vehicles in demand

Plug-in vehicles are expected to attract the greatest demand of any e-vehicle, for both the TRIAD and the BRIC markets. Fuel cell vehicles are also experiencing a rise in popularity with 69 percent of respondents considering this technology as critical to future growth.

Despite this confidence, the majority of investment from automakers will continue to be in downsizing the ICE, which could slow advances in e-vehicles, according to the survey.

Seventy-six percent of respondents say that ICE downsizing and optimization is a key issue, compared to just 59 percent for battery-powered technologies.

TRIAD OEM’s are twice as likely to invest in ICE downsizing, whereas BRIC countries are more focused on the various forms of e-mobility, like plug-in hybrids and pure battery electrified vehicles.

Technology driving change amongst automakers

As automakers consider ways to grow organically, technology leadership could be critical to the survival of a company.

With more software technology intrinsic to today’s vehicles, the self-driving car becomes a real possibility for the marketplace. However, only 14 percent of respondents feel that self-driving cars represent one of the key industry trends, although these figures differ widely by country. In the BRIC countries, the expectations for self-driving cars are higher (23 percent) than in the TRIADs (11 percent).

Growth in urban centers moves signals change

As the world’s population grows, patterns of vehicle use and ownership are changing and mobility solutions like car sharing are becoming increasingly popular.

Many of the major automotive brands are moving into this space, even though it doesn’t always necessarily involve a physical automobile, but a range of transportation options.

Almost half of survey respondents feel that mobility solutions can deliver a profit within the next 5 years.

Respondents from the TRIAD countries are the most optimistic of the potential for mobility solutions, with almost half forecasting that up to a quarter of city inhabitants will use these services by 2029—a huge increase on the survey results from 2013.

The top priority for today’s car buyers is a longer-lasting vehicle with low gasoline consumption— 92 percent of global executives surveyed say that this is a top priority for buyers. The latest safety innovations also remain a critical factor for consumers when choosing a vehicle, say 79 percent.

Consumer preferences for alternative fuel technologies have taken a lower priority in the quest to economize. Less than half of respondents feel that this factor is critical to buyers. However, having a vehicle with the latest in-car technologies is another important consideration to consumers.

Online sales to grow, but dealerships divided on future

The future of automotive dealerships is divided among respondents. Just over half of the respondents (53 percent) believe that the traditional models of automotive dealerships don’t work for the future market, with online retailing and multi-brand providers set to rise significantly.

The importance of the online model for retail automotive sales is growing to 71 percent in 2014. Interestingly, only 60 percent of dealers surveyed feel that the online route will thrive, suggesting a reluctance to acknowledge the shift to online sales.

Vehicle sales in emerging markets to accelerate

A significant majority of respondents see emerging markets as a major growth engine for the auto industry: 85 percent say that growth in the BRICs and other potentially high-growth markets is the biggest single industry trend until 2025.

In this year’s survey, respondents are increasingly optimistic about BRIC manufacturer increasing export volumes, with 44 percent confident that China will exceed 2 million vehicles within 2 years. Those that predict India will export 1 million cars within 2 years have also increased to 38 percent.

The greatest growth potential for BRIC OEMs is considered to be the biggest in South East Asia according to the survey, whereas. Western Europe and North America continue to be largely off-limits for BRIC manufacturers. Since KPMG 2013 auto, survey a greater proportion of respondents feel that BRIC auto companies have good growth opportunities in Africa and Middle East.

Nevertheless, that outlook may not materialize as quickly as some respondents predict.

Sales are expected to surge in BRIC countries, as 7 out of the 10 top OEMs expected to grow in the next 5 years will come from BRICS countries. For example, 66 percent of respondents predict that Russian automaker Avtovaz, will be among the top three OEMs to gain market share, moving up from 21st place in the 2013 KPMG auto survey.